A TEENAGER fought off attackers who punched him and hurled racial abuse at him.

Kenny Kirkley, 14, was attacked on the Rodwell Trail in Weymouth as he cycled home from school.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident near Knightsdale Road. No arrests have been made.

The teenager’s father, also called Kenneth, said his son had been left badly shaken.

He said: “These thugs jumped out and knocked him off his bike.

“They were trying to pull it off him, but he was on the other side of the bike pulling back.

“They punched him a few times and called him all these racial names. Then they ran off.”

The youngster called the police who rushed to the scene and took him home.

It was the first time the All Saints pupil has ridden to school on his bike.

Mr Kirkley said: “He has always gone by bus but he was pestering me to be allowed to use his bike.

“I’m always a bit worried about it, especially in winter, but we went out and got a helmet and a high-visibility rucksack and flashing lights and off he went, pleased as Punch.

“He is all right now but he was in such a state of shock when it happened.”

He added: “He asked them why they were calling him those names. It was horrible.”

The incident has not put the brave pupil off cycling, although he now uses a different route to get to school.

PC Caroline Orchard, of Weymouth police, said: “I am appealing for witnesses and anyone with information about this incident to contact Dorset Police in confidence as soon as possible.

“This incident has left the young victim extremely frightened and we are keen to find those responsible.

“The offenders are described as white, aged between 16 and 18, with one wearing a black coat with a hood and patches on it.

“It is also believed they may have been in company with a young girl either riding a pink bicycle or pushing a pink pram.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident at around 3.20pm on Wednesday, December 11, or who has information about those responsible, is asked to call Dorset Police on 101.